Mobile Game Development News

Mobile Gamers Get Nostalgic With New Versions Of Classic Arcade And Console Titles From Bandai

Same classic gaming goodness, new mobile platform. Bandai America's Network Entertainment division announced today the release of four mobile games
adapted and updated from classics that enthusiasts will recognize from arcades and early game consoles including of Double Dragon, Moon Patrol, Bases Loaded and Dark Castle.

Bandai, in keeping with the tradition of early consoles and arcade-style play, has packed much of the original gameplay into their mobile titles, while updating some of the features to better match them with all of the qualities and enhancements offered by the mobile platform.

"The mobile game team within Bandai has committed itself to bringing back classics such as Bases Loaded, Double Dragon, Dark Castle and Moon Patrol giving gamers who loved those games the chance to play them again; this time on an updated platform with all of the features they loved and some new ones to discover," said Masao Ohata, vice president of Bandai, America Inc., Network Entertainment.

One of the best-selling sports franchises on Nintendo? consoles, Bases Loaded was the game baseball purists played, long before steroids, free agency and "The Wave" sullied America's pastime. The game sold more than three million units, and was best known for its realistic player animations and fully controllable batting, pitching and outfield play. Bandai America's updated mobile version of Bases Loaded features all new graphics, a custom character creation mode and a homerun derby mode that was not included in the original game.

The classic game Moon Patrol, re-dubbed Moon Patrol EX in its new mobile form, is a classic port of the original game allowing players to blast Moon Strafers and Crater Makers while leaping to avoid craters in the terrain. The new EX "arrange" mode will give gamers completely updated graphics, power-up items and two new attack buggies to use. Plus, each vehicle is now armed with a unique attack style that will satisfy both fans of the original and newcomers to the game.

Double Dragon EX is a richly updated version of the console classic fighting game featured on every major gaming platform between 1986 and 2003. The new mobile game version includes more than 10 unique attack moves with all of the classics players will remember including enemy throwing attacks, fully functional pick-up weapons and a creative combination system for all levels which incorporates simultaneous enemy hits, mid-air combinations and blocking techniques.

Fans of the original Dark Castle will recall it as one of the best-selling games on the Macintosh over 36 months from 1987 through1990, occupying the No. 1 slot for much of that time. Many credit the original game with launching the horror game genre. In the updated mobile game version, Bandai America's Dark Castle allows players to explore multiple dungeons in a beast-infested castle in search of the evil Black Knight and the evil he represents. Armed with a sack full of rocks and four extra lives they must pass through 14 danger zones. To defeat this dark warrior, players must collect the equipment necessary for such a dangerous undertaking. The full line-up of available titles including more information on Double Dragon EX, Moon Patrol EX, Bases Loaded and Dark Castle can be found by visiting www.BandaiWireless.com.

About Bandai America, Inc.

A leading provider of quality entertainment for mobile devices, Bandai America Inc. is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., a newly formed joint entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. The wireless team at Bandai America Inc. is committed to providing mobile gamers with addictive and familiar titles catering to all consumers in the causal, classic/nostalgic and cutting-edge 3D genres. Global interests now encompass five strategic business units: toys and hobby (toys, models, apparel and sundries), amusement facilities, game content (wireless/mobile, home and arcade console gaming) and visual and music content (including home entertainment). Bandai America is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children's toys and entertainment today, including Power Rangers, Ben 10 and Tamagotchi. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California and information is available at www.Band! ai.com.